LAS VEGAS – The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has kicked off with a dazzling array of technological marvels, ranging from transparent televisions to a two-minute ice-cream-making machine. Over 130,000 tech enthusiasts are anticipated to explore the latest gadgets and prototypes at the world’s largest tech trade show, taking place from January 9 to 12.
Among the innovations unveiled is Samsung’s updated AI companion on wheels, Ballie. Initially showcased at CES 2020, this versatile robot can remotely control lights and air-conditioning, monitor plant watering, and provide updates to owners through text and video recordings. Ballie is part of Samsung’s broader vision to integrate AI into various aspects of daily life, extending to household appliances and smart home features in vehicles from Kia and Hyundai.
AI is set to be a focal point at CES 2024, influencing various industries. The show’s vice-president, John T. Kelley, emphasized the rising expenditure on AI-centric systems, exceeding $150 billion in 2023, a 27% increase from the previous year. Expectations are high for technology integrating AI into everyday products and services, powering devices and systems relied upon daily.
Television technology continues to impress at CES 2024, with Samsung and LG showcasing transparent TVs. LG’s 77-inch Signature Oled T allows users to switch between traditional black backgrounds and a transparent screen, creating the illusion of holographic videos. Samsung introduces the world’s first see-through MicroLED TV, a single glass panel that vanishes into the background when not in use. Additionally, TCL unveiled a colossal 115-inch 4K TV.
The dessert world sees innovation with a machine capable of producing ice cream in just two minutes. Users select a flavor, packaged in cans inserted into the machine, and witness the rapid creation of the cold treat.
While AI takes center stage, attention shifts away from metaverse tech, blending virtual and augmented reality. Despite Meta’s significant investments in the metaverse, it remains largely out of sight for most consumers. CES 2024 showcases metaverse tech primarily in defined enterprise or industrial applications and gaming-led consumer developments. Industrial applications involve virtual replications for cost-effective research and development, while gamers can anticipate haptic technology enabling interaction with virtual worlds through gloves, suits, and new headsets.
CES 2024 promises a wealth of innovations, featuring over 4,000 exhibitors from various sectors, including tech, electric vehicles, and medical tech. The show aims to be the largest since the pandemic’s onset, providing a platform for tech enthusiasts, investors, and media to witness the future of technology.